Reena Banerjee SnapChat Support for John Wilson’s Parole Petition

Check out this video of one of HEARD’s #Deaf Youth Advocate’s organizing support for John Wilson yesterday!
Reena used snapchat to share information about John’s situation. In response to her video, more than ten people sent emails to the US Parole Commission on behalf of John as a result of this advocacy!
The emails from our communities helped the US Parole Commission decide to grant parole to John Wilson!
Great job, Reena & thanks so much to everyone who supported and continues to support these important efforts.
#DeafAccesstoJustice
#DeafInPrison
#DisabilitySolidarity
#DeafReentry

Video then goes back to Reena where she uses ASL to sign this content:
Please look at my story.
It’s very important because a Deaf man has been stuck in the prison system for all these years & the reason why he hasn’t been released is because he “didn’t participate in prison activities.”
How can he participate when he doesnt have accomomdations!?
The prison has not provided him any interpreters.
He doesn’t have any access to commmunication!
So THEY won’t ALLOW him to participate then they say, “Oh, he is not qualified to be released from prison.”
That’s not fair.
So please, look at my story & send and email to that person who makes the determination about his release.
Please do this one thing for me. For him. For the good. And from our hearts.
Flashes back to narration screen with the words Great job, Reena!!!
Next screen says: On September 28, 2018, the U.S. Parole Commission recommended parole for John Wilson (proposed release, June 2019)!
This was only possible because of support HEARD volunteers & community members.
Stay tuned for more info on how you can support John & others!
Last screen says:
HEARD IS A VOLUNTEER-DEPENDENT ORGANIZATION THAT FOCUSES ON ENDING ABUSE AND IMPRISONMENT OF DEAF AND DISABLED PEOPLE.
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